Memory and Learning

Poor memory is a common problem for many people with epilepsy. In children, it impacts their ability to learn and function well in school. Memory involves three parts— putting information in, storing the information and getting the information out. Disruption at any one of the stages will result in faulty recall.

There are many possible reasons for memory problems with epilepsy. Seizure activity itself can disrupt the process. In addition, a person may experience low grade abnormal brain wave activity that is too subtle to cause a seizure, but can disrupt concentration and memory. Attention disorders are not unusual in children with epilepsy and poor attention will lead to poor retention of material. Sleep disturbances are also not unusual with epilepsy. When the stages of sleep are disturbed, information is not properly stored. Whatever the cause, memory problems make learning very frustrating. Understanding these difficulties by teachers and parents is crucial for effective learning experiences and supportive learning environments.

Memory Techniques

The most useful way to improve memory is to develop techniques and strategies that work around the problem:

Compensate for the weak parts of memory with the strong parts e.g.,

Use pictures to help you remember if visual memory is stronger (as in left temporal lobe epilepsy)

Use sounds to help you remember, if auditory memory is stronger, (as in right temporal lobe epilepsy)

Tell others you have a memory problem and rely on them

Have reasonable expectations

Manage your moods and stress levels

Pay close attention to the things you want to remember

Repeat the information more than once (the more ways you practice it the better it will stick)

Organize the material into logical groups and categories

Highlight, colour code, etc.

Link information to something meaningful

Use a consistent approach to learning across environments

Use recognition cues to facilitate recall

Use closed questions with a limited number of correct responses

Work around “down times” and allow rest periods

Monitor for changes in consciousness

Music training (recent research has shown an increase in verbal memory through music lessons)